-THE LIFE OF CHRIST - THE GALILEAN MINISTRY

-The Inquiry of John the Baptist

-Luke 7:18-23, Matthew 11:2-6

-As word spread concerning Jesus, John the Baptizer heard the things that were happening.

     -Remember, John was being held in prison by Herod.  (Matt 4:12).

-While facing the difficulties of being in prison, John experienced some doubts.

     -It seems that some have a hard time admitting to the fact that John had doubts.  Because of
      his prominent position in God’s plan, the one who prepared the way for the Lord, some seem
      to be reluctant to even consider the idea that John could have had doubts.  It’s almost as if
      they want to protect the character of John.

     -Remember though, the scriptures reveal the strengths and also the weaknesses of those it
      describes.

-John had previously pointed people to Jesus with confidence – “Behold, the Lamb of God!”

 (John 1:29,36), “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30).

   -But now John sent messengers to Jesus with the question, “Art thou he that should come?
      or look we for another?” (Luke 7:20).

-Just like many people, including the apostles, John probably had some incorrect expectations of
 the Messiah.  He probably envisioned a Messiah who would come in a powerful and triumphant
 manner to establish a strong, earthly rule.

     -Tensions between the Jews and the Romans had been increasing for some time..  Therefore,
      the people probably had hopeful expectations of Jesus taking the power and rule out of the
      hands of the Roman authorities.

    -However, John then found himself imprisoned by the Romans while Jesus went about His
     business.

    -As a result, discouragement and a degree of doubt infected John.

-Perhaps John was fearful that he had fallen short in his duties and responsibilities.  Perhaps he
 wondered if that was why he was imprisoned and then seemingly ignored by Jesus.

-Regardless of the exact reasons, John did the right thing in sending messengers to Jesus.

-Now notice Jesus’ response to the question:

     -In response to the inquiry of John’s messengers, Jesus performed many miracles “in that
      same hour” (Luke 7:21).  He then told John’s messengers to go back and tell John the things
      they saw and heard.

          -The things that they saw and heard were in accordance with Old Testament prophecies.
           In particular, note Isaiah 35:1-6.

     -Jesus did not send criticism back to John.  He was not harsh in His response.  He simply
      used scriptural evidence to reinforce John’s faith.

-Also notice the statement, “And blessed is he, whosever shall not be offended in me” (Luke 7:23).

     -Through this statement, Jesus was kindly encouraging John to keep is faith.